Minear led a group around an area of about two square blocks as another tour group wound a different path, pointing out and admiring the old homes, most from the 1930s but some from the mid-1920s, for their old Tudor Revival-style design.

The style, popular among the wealthy in the '20s, took several years to work its way into Denver and become popular during the '30s. Minear pointed out its tell-tale characteristics including geometric patterned stone or brick, tall gabled roofs, arched windows and timbered frames or cosmetic imitations.

Minear, an architect, also is a tour guide with the fledgling Denver Old House Society. The group, which formed in August, got its start with a series of workshops for owners of old homes in the Highland neighborhood and general northwest Denver area earlier this year.

The group plans a number of other events for owners and lovers of old houses that tell a story of Denver's past but may not have historical designation.

DOHS executive director Elizabeth Wheeler said owners of these homes face several challenges.

"There's the care of the old house," a prickly issue for maintenance and repairs, she said. "Many people know they live in an old house, but they don't know what style it is, so they don't know what would be appropriate."

Preservationists and fans of old homes in general also face the trend of scrape-off rebuilding and the contentious plans for rezoning to prevent them, especially in North Denver, she said.

The tour itself wasn't nearly so political, though, and as of yet the DOHS describes itself as being for educational and charitable purposes.

The society plans more home tours and workshops soon. For more information, go to http://denveroldhousesociety.org.